Baby man and I spent his one week birthday in the ER having him checked for high billirubin. He was a touch yellow when we came home on Tuesady, even more yellow on Wednesday and by Friday's doctors appointment decidedly oompa loopa-ish.
Friday afternoon, I was having difficulty waking him to feed so thought feck this and headed off to the ER. I'm damn glad I did his level was 20, up 2 points from that morning - phew.
We were admitted and spent 2 nights there, it's a new pain watching your tiny baby have an IV inserted, not being able to hold or cuddle him except for feeding for 2 days. By Sunday morning his level was down and we came home. I think I held him straight for the next 24 hours.
The good news is that at this morning's doc appointment he is back to his birth weight and she didn't even bother doing a heel stick because he looks pink no orange finally. He's also feeding much better, he was killing me with a very poor latch. I'm still supplementing with formula to deal with the jaundice but will gradually cut that out this week and keep him on the boob.
We took lots of pictures it's the only time in his life he was have that lovely tan.
Other than that I'm adjusting, well we all are, little man is a dream, keeps telling me how much he loves his baby brother and seems genuinely pleased to see him when he gets home from daycare, slips right by me with a glancing kiss and goes straight for his baby brother.
I'm doing surprisingly well, down 30lbs, yahoo, had gained 40!!!! Might not seem like a lot but considering I was still holding on to 10 from little man, it got me up there.
So nice to be able to move, bend down, turn over in bed, not have to pee every 1 minute, I should still be pregnant ha ha I am so happy I'm not! Sorry to those of you still waiting, I know it sucks and I feel bad for you, really I do, but oh my gods am I so fucking delighted not to be pregnant any more - sorry I'm labouring the point (pun intended) so I'll stop now.
Am besotted with baby man, loving all the little noises, wallowing in the newbornness of it all, was a bit overwhelmed with little man as a newborn so I'm enjoying this time with baby man knowing that it really doesn't last that long and before long he'll be yelling at me to wipe his bum just like his big brother.
Newborns rock, almost 3 year olds rock, I'm a little blissed out.
Showing posts with label doc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doc. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
No Insulin
Did I mention that I left my glucose monitor in the office on Tuesday and so headed off to VT without it?
Coincidentally had an appointment with the endocrinologist yesterday and was freaking a little about being so irresponsible.
He laughed when I fessed up and teased me that it wasn't an accident. What a cool guy!
He's a good guy, I like him and no insulin for me - way hay hay - not yet anyway , was fully expecting to get a script yesterday and full of doom and gloom about the knock on affect on the birth but he's pretty laid back and while he said yeah your fasting levels are a bit high they're not that bad so give it another week with the diet and see how you are then - yay love him to bits!
I could still end up on insulin but every week without is a bonus and goes towards avoiding induction/c-section yippee.
Coincidentally had an appointment with the endocrinologist yesterday and was freaking a little about being so irresponsible.
He laughed when I fessed up and teased me that it wasn't an accident. What a cool guy!
He's a good guy, I like him and no insulin for me - way hay hay - not yet anyway , was fully expecting to get a script yesterday and full of doom and gloom about the knock on affect on the birth but he's pretty laid back and while he said yeah your fasting levels are a bit high they're not that bad so give it another week with the diet and see how you are then - yay love him to bits!
I could still end up on insulin but every week without is a bonus and goes towards avoiding induction/c-section yippee.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Gestational Diabetes - a myth?
We went to the first of 2 VBAC classes this weekend.
I was a bit miffed because the instructor didn't really tell me anything I hadn't already read or learned and she couldn't answer any questions about hospital policy. She deflected all of those saying "you should ask your midwife" I have probably 10-15 minutes with my midwife every 2 weeks, I don't have the brain power to think of these questions when I'm sitting there trying not fall off the stupid table. The point of the class - or so I thought - was to have those questions answered, that's why I chose the one affiliated with the hospital fer fuxake! Yes I will call the hospital and tell them what I think.
In the instructors favour, she herself had a VBAC, kept the class size small and took time to talk to each one of us.
Anyway gripes aside, the class was useful for big man, got him thinking and concentrating on the impending arrival for 3 straight hours. We dropped little man off with his friend for a playdate, his first ever, so we had lunch afterwards and it was nice to just talk and connect with each other.
The instructor scared me a little by talking about the risks associated with induction and VBAC, so I've been googling. There's no guarantee I will be induced but my blood sugar levels are all over the place and it looks likely I will be on insulin by next week which does increase my chances of induction. Pitocin and VBAC is not a good mix, you're heavily monitored and probably in bed so the intervention train gets rolling.
One interesting article I found today is this one by Henci Goer which starts:
It's a good read, if you've been diagnosed with GD you should probably print it out and highlight the relevant parts to bring to the discussion with your doc.
I am researching alternatives to pitocin for induction. Kendra beat me to the punch, she's a few weeks ahead of me so got here a while back.
I'm thinking a doula is a good plan so am off on the hunt for one that will fit in my budget of $0.
Your induction methods are welcome, medical and anecdotal, I'll give anything a go rather than be strapped to a bed with EFMs blood pressure cuffs, IVs etc... please comment....thanks!
Food for thought
I was a bit miffed because the instructor didn't really tell me anything I hadn't already read or learned and she couldn't answer any questions about hospital policy. She deflected all of those saying "you should ask your midwife" I have probably 10-15 minutes with my midwife every 2 weeks, I don't have the brain power to think of these questions when I'm sitting there trying not fall off the stupid table. The point of the class - or so I thought - was to have those questions answered, that's why I chose the one affiliated with the hospital fer fuxake! Yes I will call the hospital and tell them what I think.
In the instructors favour, she herself had a VBAC, kept the class size small and took time to talk to each one of us.
Anyway gripes aside, the class was useful for big man, got him thinking and concentrating on the impending arrival for 3 straight hours. We dropped little man off with his friend for a playdate, his first ever, so we had lunch afterwards and it was nice to just talk and connect with each other.
The instructor scared me a little by talking about the risks associated with induction and VBAC, so I've been googling. There's no guarantee I will be induced but my blood sugar levels are all over the place and it looks likely I will be on insulin by next week which does increase my chances of induction. Pitocin and VBAC is not a good mix, you're heavily monitored and probably in bed so the intervention train gets rolling.
One interesting article I found today is this one by Henci Goer which starts:
Gestational Diabetes: The Emperor Has No ClothesHmm...
by Henci GoerGood medicine demands that diagnosis and treatment of any disease fulfill four criteria:
An entire medical industry has grown up around diagnosing and treating gestational diabetes (GD) in the belief that doing so prevents perinatal deaths, congenital anomalies, neonatal complications, macrosomic babies, and because of fetal macrosomia, birth injuries and excessive cesarean rates. However, diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes don't fulfill any of the above criteria.
- The condition has to pose a health risk;
- Diagnosis must accurately distinguish between those who have the disease and those who don't;
- Treatment should be effective; and
- The benefits of diagnosis and treatment should outweigh the risks.
It's a good read, if you've been diagnosed with GD you should probably print it out and highlight the relevant parts to bring to the discussion with your doc.
I am researching alternatives to pitocin for induction. Kendra beat me to the punch, she's a few weeks ahead of me so got here a while back.
I'm thinking a doula is a good plan so am off on the hunt for one that will fit in my budget of $0.
Your induction methods are welcome, medical and anecdotal, I'll give anything a go rather than be strapped to a bed with EFMs blood pressure cuffs, IVs etc... please comment....thanks!
Food for thought
Friday, June 8, 2007
Home
Am home today for the 2nd time this week...hmmm
What's going on?
Shortness of breath, yes I know that's par for the pregnancy course but I am only 30 wks and I'm breathing like a 60 a day smoker with emphysema. Earlier in the week (and last week) this was accompanied by dizzy spells and unbelievable drop dead weakness. That's kind of alleviated now thanks to vast quantities of water and an upping of my protein intake, I was anemic and dehydrated apparently.
Anyway, I spent Tuesday evening in the ER having a cat scan, nothing like serious medical tests to scare the pants right off you. Also had an ultrasound of my heart on Wednesday to make sure it's not enlarged. It's not, nor do I have anything sinister in my lungs, which after 20 years smoking and growing up in a house full of smokers is a major relief!
Am pissed off at feeling like an old lady (note I did not say little, I am anything but fucking little at the moment) afraid to go down to the basement in case I can't get back up, running out of steam half way to the fridge to get water, it taking me 15 minutes to work up the energy to get up and pee in the middle of the night. Seriously fucking annoying.
Am off to the doc in a few minutes to see if she can shed any light on this.
Anyone got any bright ideas?
FYI - I'm carrying waaayyyyy low, baby is practically at my knees thanks to zero ab supports from previous c-section so baby is not pressing on my diaphragm. Blood pressure is fine as are blood sugar levels, heart rate fine, everything else ok, so internets...ideas? Suggestions?
If I'm stuck like this for another 9-10 weeks I will go nuts.
What's going on?
Shortness of breath, yes I know that's par for the pregnancy course but I am only 30 wks and I'm breathing like a 60 a day smoker with emphysema. Earlier in the week (and last week) this was accompanied by dizzy spells and unbelievable drop dead weakness. That's kind of alleviated now thanks to vast quantities of water and an upping of my protein intake, I was anemic and dehydrated apparently.
Anyway, I spent Tuesday evening in the ER having a cat scan, nothing like serious medical tests to scare the pants right off you. Also had an ultrasound of my heart on Wednesday to make sure it's not enlarged. It's not, nor do I have anything sinister in my lungs, which after 20 years smoking and growing up in a house full of smokers is a major relief!
Am pissed off at feeling like an old lady (note I did not say little, I am anything but fucking little at the moment) afraid to go down to the basement in case I can't get back up, running out of steam half way to the fridge to get water, it taking me 15 minutes to work up the energy to get up and pee in the middle of the night. Seriously fucking annoying.
Am off to the doc in a few minutes to see if she can shed any light on this.
Anyone got any bright ideas?
FYI - I'm carrying waaayyyyy low, baby is practically at my knees thanks to zero ab supports from previous c-section so baby is not pressing on my diaphragm. Blood pressure is fine as are blood sugar levels, heart rate fine, everything else ok, so internets...ideas? Suggestions?
If I'm stuck like this for another 9-10 weeks I will go nuts.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Slacker
Hello, my name is Boliath and I am a blogging slacker.
Been away recuperating from life. Went to Maine last weekend and fed some blackflies. I didn't fare too bodly, normally I am ridiculously senstive to insect bites but when I'm pregnant I don't react as badly. Little man was another story, poor child had big red welts everywhere, yes we slathered him in repellent but it's no good, just like his Mummy the bugs like him and he reacts. Poor pet, the only one he complained about was his elbow which was swollen to twice it's size and obviously bothering him. He doesn't really know how to scratch himself so he would sidle up to you and rub his elbow on you for a while, I bet it felt great! I fed him full of benadryl to stop them itching as much as possible. They're mostly gone now. It's a total pain in the arse though, I fucking HATE mosquitos, hate them hate them hate them. It's just one more reason why I want to move back to Ireland, we don't have mossies back there and I could sit out and enjoy the summer evenings without flapping ay arms about to keep the bugs away. Did I mention that bug bites have put me in hospital twice?* It's no fucking joke with me, drives me INSANE!
Anyway, had a lovely weekend other than the bugs, hung out with good friends, met new friends with cool kids who played wonderfully with little man even though they were 10 & 8. He was in heaven playing with the big boys.
Tried to sleep in the tent but couldn't. No not really because I was too uncomfortable although that's what I told everyone and I was a bit uncomfortable, I couldn't sleep in the tent because I woke up freaking out both nights. I used to do this all of the time when we went camping, go to sleep and then an hour later wake up freaking the fuck out. I thought it was a combination of drink and weed but this weekend I wasn't drunk or stoned and it still happened. I was pretty pissed off about that. I slept on the couch in the cabin instead.
Pregnancy news is that the gestational diabetes is back in full force, numbers are off the charts, explains my crappy mood lately. Also explains the nausea and dizzyness I've been feeling. Failed the 3 hour test on Tuesday and have an appointment with an endocrinologist - ooh fancy - didn't have one of those last time, not sure what one is really but I'll find out soon enough.
*Annoyingly, I can't find the post where I talk about this - sorry.
Been away recuperating from life. Went to Maine last weekend and fed some blackflies. I didn't fare too bodly, normally I am ridiculously senstive to insect bites but when I'm pregnant I don't react as badly. Little man was another story, poor child had big red welts everywhere, yes we slathered him in repellent but it's no good, just like his Mummy the bugs like him and he reacts. Poor pet, the only one he complained about was his elbow which was swollen to twice it's size and obviously bothering him. He doesn't really know how to scratch himself so he would sidle up to you and rub his elbow on you for a while, I bet it felt great! I fed him full of benadryl to stop them itching as much as possible. They're mostly gone now. It's a total pain in the arse though, I fucking HATE mosquitos, hate them hate them hate them. It's just one more reason why I want to move back to Ireland, we don't have mossies back there and I could sit out and enjoy the summer evenings without flapping ay arms about to keep the bugs away. Did I mention that bug bites have put me in hospital twice?* It's no fucking joke with me, drives me INSANE!
Anyway, had a lovely weekend other than the bugs, hung out with good friends, met new friends with cool kids who played wonderfully with little man even though they were 10 & 8. He was in heaven playing with the big boys.
Tried to sleep in the tent but couldn't. No not really because I was too uncomfortable although that's what I told everyone and I was a bit uncomfortable, I couldn't sleep in the tent because I woke up freaking out both nights. I used to do this all of the time when we went camping, go to sleep and then an hour later wake up freaking the fuck out. I thought it was a combination of drink and weed but this weekend I wasn't drunk or stoned and it still happened. I was pretty pissed off about that. I slept on the couch in the cabin instead.
Pregnancy news is that the gestational diabetes is back in full force, numbers are off the charts, explains my crappy mood lately. Also explains the nausea and dizzyness I've been feeling. Failed the 3 hour test on Tuesday and have an appointment with an endocrinologist - ooh fancy - didn't have one of those last time, not sure what one is really but I'll find out soon enough.
*Annoyingly, I can't find the post where I talk about this - sorry.
Friday, May 18, 2007
How your mouse works
How your mouse works - wait for this one to load and then move your mouse, it's worth it.
Thanks to Linkateria.
Had a doc appt today, am measuring spot on baby wise. Gained 7lbs in the last month though, not feeling too good about that considering "they" say you gain 1lb a week from here on in. I know I told myself I wouldn't stress about weight but I'm feeling big and unattractive and cumbersome, knowing that I'm the weight I am doesn't help that.
Still though, healthy baby is the goal, as long as I'm eating properly and sensibly I shouldn't worry too much. I think the sneaky treats will have to stop though.
Have moved to appts. every 2 weeks now, feels like it's all happening too fast, have the GD test again in 2 wks, if this all goes belly up and I'm on insulin again I'm going to be pissed off.
Must book VBAC class soon. Anyone reading had a VBAC?
Thanks to Linkateria.
Had a doc appt today, am measuring spot on baby wise. Gained 7lbs in the last month though, not feeling too good about that considering "they" say you gain 1lb a week from here on in. I know I told myself I wouldn't stress about weight but I'm feeling big and unattractive and cumbersome, knowing that I'm the weight I am doesn't help that.
Still though, healthy baby is the goal, as long as I'm eating properly and sensibly I shouldn't worry too much. I think the sneaky treats will have to stop though.
Have moved to appts. every 2 weeks now, feels like it's all happening too fast, have the GD test again in 2 wks, if this all goes belly up and I'm on insulin again I'm going to be pissed off.
Must book VBAC class soon. Anyone reading had a VBAC?
Monday, April 2, 2007
Passed!
Unfuckingbelieveable, I passed the 1 hour glucose test!
I'm in shock.
I'm also kind of weirded out 'cos I got me some spectacles. Apparently I have bad eyesight and the pregnancy has fuck all to do with it. I've been compensating. Thing is, I've never worn specs and didn't realise that they really fuck with your depth perception, I feel like I'm in a fun house, all my angles are off, it's like free LSD without the metallic taste and thinking my jaw is going to flip open like the guy in that toothbrush ad.
On another note and another update I suppose, my gum has finally reattached itself to the tooth. Only took 3+ weeks.
Now I have strep throat, nasty cough and acne, combined with my new specs, I am a sex goddess!
I'm in shock.
I'm also kind of weirded out 'cos I got me some spectacles. Apparently I have bad eyesight and the pregnancy has fuck all to do with it. I've been compensating. Thing is, I've never worn specs and didn't realise that they really fuck with your depth perception, I feel like I'm in a fun house, all my angles are off, it's like free LSD without the metallic taste and thinking my jaw is going to flip open like the guy in that toothbrush ad.
On another note and another update I suppose, my gum has finally reattached itself to the tooth. Only took 3+ weeks.
Now I have strep throat, nasty cough and acne, combined with my new specs, I am a sex goddess!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The big scan
Had the BIG scan yesterday, the one where you can find out the baby's gender and...
I can't tell you!
Ha ha, sorry, we were still (arguing) discussing our options when the time came so we decided that I would find out and Big man and little man would leave the room. So I know but they don't and I can't very well tell the internet if they don't know so sorry.
I'm glad I know but it's going to be difficult to keep it to myself for another 20+ weeks!
Baby is fine, big - no surprise there - measuring a week ahead as am I so due date is moved forward to August 7th. Placenta is in front which is why I haven't been feeling a whole lot of movement, I was a bit worried about that.
Had a midwife appointment afterwards, met a new midwife - well new to me - who I adored, she was fab, just how you want a midwife to be, big, friendly, competent, capable and no nonsense. She said the GD may not be a problem, I have to do the yummy sugar drink thing next week. And best of all she reiterated that I am an excellent candidate for a VBAC - yahooey!
Took little man to the dentist for his 1st ever appointment, was cute, no work done or anything, just a meet and greet kind of thing, he got a sticker.
And then little man and I went home and slept for the afternoon, I was wrecked, the scan wiped me out, took all of the tension away, I didn't realise how tense I was until I let it go, I had myself convinced there was something wrong with this baby - phew.
I can't tell you!
Ha ha, sorry, we were still (arguing) discussing our options when the time came so we decided that I would find out and Big man and little man would leave the room. So I know but they don't and I can't very well tell the internet if they don't know so sorry.
I'm glad I know but it's going to be difficult to keep it to myself for another 20+ weeks!
Baby is fine, big - no surprise there - measuring a week ahead as am I so due date is moved forward to August 7th. Placenta is in front which is why I haven't been feeling a whole lot of movement, I was a bit worried about that.
Had a midwife appointment afterwards, met a new midwife - well new to me - who I adored, she was fab, just how you want a midwife to be, big, friendly, competent, capable and no nonsense. She said the GD may not be a problem, I have to do the yummy sugar drink thing next week. And best of all she reiterated that I am an excellent candidate for a VBAC - yahooey!
Took little man to the dentist for his 1st ever appointment, was cute, no work done or anything, just a meet and greet kind of thing, he got a sticker.
And then little man and I went home and slept for the afternoon, I was wrecked, the scan wiped me out, took all of the tension away, I didn't realise how tense I was until I let it go, I had myself convinced there was something wrong with this baby - phew.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Dentists
Another PSA from me, stay the fuck away from dentists when you're pregnant people. Now it may just be my dentist who seems to be a bit rough and certainly took her frustration out on me last Monday but when I went back today to say:
Hey lady, what the fuck, why is there a bit of gum flapping all round my mouth? Shouldn't it be like attached to a tooth or something? eh? eh?
And she said:
Oh right yeah, it's because you're pregnant and your gums take longer to heal and they're more sensitive and shit.
Not what I was expecting to hear which would have been more like:
Oh sorry there, I was a bit rough last week and tore right through your gum back there so it's no surprise you've been popping tylenol extra strength like tic tacs for the last week or so.
Stupid cow, she is so not my fucking dentist anymore. Doesn't help the searing pain in my jaw nor the gaping hole in my mouth that she so gently scraped out this morning.
So, be warned fellow big belly sporters, stay away from dentists (or maybe just my dentist) if you really don't have to go.
Hey lady, what the fuck, why is there a bit of gum flapping all round my mouth? Shouldn't it be like attached to a tooth or something? eh? eh?
And she said:
Oh right yeah, it's because you're pregnant and your gums take longer to heal and they're more sensitive and shit.
Not what I was expecting to hear which would have been more like:
Oh sorry there, I was a bit rough last week and tore right through your gum back there so it's no surprise you've been popping tylenol extra strength like tic tacs for the last week or so.
Stupid cow, she is so not my fucking dentist anymore. Doesn't help the searing pain in my jaw nor the gaping hole in my mouth that she so gently scraped out this morning.
So, be warned fellow big belly sporters, stay away from dentists (or maybe just my dentist) if you really don't have to go.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Pregnant Men?
I've been dealing with family for the past couple of weeks so have had no time to blog.
All is well, have learned to take 1 Dulcolax laxative, not 2 - hmm...
Had some bleeding at 12w but no big deal, had baby checked and s/he is okay. Have scheduled Level II scan for March 19 - have started to waver on the gender mystery, not so sure I want to find out now. What do you think?
Refused all tests, just want to enjoy the pregnancy (ha ha) and not worry about what might or might not be, if baby has issues, we'll deal as best we can.
Have found doc from Romania who is refreshingly old country, complained to her about my awful skin and she said "Oh it must be a girl!" not what I was expecting, I was hoping for a cream or a referral to a dermatologist, made me laugh though and set me up to keep this pregnancy as unmedicalised as possible. She's a little bitty thing though, I hope she can manage me when I look like a whale! So far not doing so bad with the weight gain, 11lbs in total at 14 weeks and 9 of those went on in the first 2 weeks so I've been doing well since then.
Not abiding by the GD diet at all at all, feck it, I'm not so sure it isn't a made up thing anyway, I have a link to a really interesting FAQ about it which I can't find right now but I will.
Read this today and thought you might enjoy:
RELATIONSHIPS; EXPECTANT FATHERS' SYMPTOMS
Article Tools Sponsored By
By GEORGIA DULLEA
Published: September 6, 1982
MORNING sickness, weight gain, backaches, food cravings. The symptoms appeared, only to disappear nine months later, when his wife gave birth. ''I was eating more to keep her company,'' he told the others in a class on parenthood at the 92nd Street Y. ''When she got sick, I got sick. Empathy, I guess.''
The man had experienced what mental-health professionals call the couvade syndrome. The term derives from the ancient, worldwide couvade ritual, observed in modern times among certain peoples in South America and Africa. In a significant form of the ritual, the man takes to his bed at the onset of his wife's labor and mimics childbirth. The ruse distracts evil spirits during the actual birth, protecting mother and child.
While the practice is based on pretense, the syndrome is very real, according to researchers who have studied expectant fathers. Unlike women, who have nine months to prepare for their new roles, it seems that men have been expected to make the psychological transition to parenthood overnight. It doesn't always work out that way, according to the mental-health professionals.
Dr. Sue Rosenberg Zalk, a psychologist and Hunter College professor who has counseled and interviewed many such men, says some are surprised by their bodily changes and mood swings during the pregnancy. Conflicting feelings of anxiety, depression, elation, ambivalence and envy are not atypical. ''But, '' she said, ''because so little attention and support are given to the expectant father, he sits on his feelings, and frequently they come out in ways that are self-destructive or destructive to the marriage.''
Citing studies of battered women, Dr. Zalk said that some reported being struck by their husbands for the first time during pregnancy. Other men deal with hostile feelings by withdrawing or by lavishing attention on their wives, as a parent might. Still others find creative outlets for their feelings, building cribs or painting nursery walls.
Expectant fathers may experience loss of libido in some phases of the pregnancy. A psychoanalytic explanation for this is that the wife, in becoming a mother, stimulates Oedipal conflicts in her husband, who then sees her as sexually taboo. Further reasons advanced for the man's depleted sex drive include fear of the fetus, fear of harming the mother or the baby, or feelings of inadequacy in relation to the magnitude of motherhood.
Whatever the cause, a decrease in sexual desire often triggers anxiety in men, perhaps because of the myth that they are not supposed to be affected sexually by stressful events peripheral to sex. At least that is how it seems to Sam Bittman, a Massachusetts writer, who lost interest in sex at one point in his wife's pregnancy.
''It's a pretty frightening thing, '' he acknowledged, ''and it has a ripple effect when the issue is not discussed with your spouse. Then everybody's threatened by it. My poor wife felt she was no longer sexually appealing to me. In fact, nothing could have been further from the truth. It's just that there were so many new feelings.''
In an effort to understand the feelings, Mr. Bittman began interviewing other fathers. He came away with the impression that men tend to deal with the appropriate anxieties surrounding parenthood by denying them. This led to his teaching classes for expectant parents and, eventually, to his joining Dr. Zalk to write a book, ''Expectant Fathers'' (Ballantine Books, $6.95). The work draws on discussions with men's groups and interviews with 47 fathers, plus questionnaires from 162 others.
''They were pleased to find someone who was finally interested in their experiences,'' Mr. Bittman reported. ''Occasionally a man would contact us, saying he'd heard we were talking to men and didn't want to be left out. Our sense from these reactions was that expectant fathers often feel neglected.''
Still, times are changing. Just as fathers are playing more active roles, both in the baby's birth and in its care, they are taking courses in expectant parenthood. The 92nd Street Y, for example, is offering such a course for 10 weeks beginning Nov. 30 and plans to repeat it. The instructor is Dr. Wende Doniger, a psychologist with six years of experience in working with expectant parents.
Fantasies of fathers differ from those of mothers, Dr. Doniger said, in that the coming baby is often seen as an older child rather than an infant. Fathers also worry more about the cost of rearing a child. ''Finances are familiar to them,'' she said. ''That's safer than worrying what they would do if the wives go away for four hours and leave them alone with the baby.''
''Fathers,'' she went on, ''have not been given the opportunity to understand their own feelings during pregnancy. One problem is that pregnant women tend to be very self-centered. Wives should be more attentive to what husbands are going through, just as they expect husbands to be attentive to their needs.'' Georgia Dullea
All is well, have learned to take 1 Dulcolax laxative, not 2 - hmm...
Had some bleeding at 12w but no big deal, had baby checked and s/he is okay. Have scheduled Level II scan for March 19 - have started to waver on the gender mystery, not so sure I want to find out now. What do you think?
Refused all tests, just want to enjoy the pregnancy (ha ha) and not worry about what might or might not be, if baby has issues, we'll deal as best we can.
Have found doc from Romania who is refreshingly old country, complained to her about my awful skin and she said "Oh it must be a girl!" not what I was expecting, I was hoping for a cream or a referral to a dermatologist, made me laugh though and set me up to keep this pregnancy as unmedicalised as possible. She's a little bitty thing though, I hope she can manage me when I look like a whale! So far not doing so bad with the weight gain, 11lbs in total at 14 weeks and 9 of those went on in the first 2 weeks so I've been doing well since then.
Not abiding by the GD diet at all at all, feck it, I'm not so sure it isn't a made up thing anyway, I have a link to a really interesting FAQ about it which I can't find right now but I will.
Read this today and thought you might enjoy:
RELATIONSHIPS; EXPECTANT FATHERS' SYMPTOMS
Article Tools Sponsored By
By GEORGIA DULLEA
Published: September 6, 1982
MORNING sickness, weight gain, backaches, food cravings. The symptoms appeared, only to disappear nine months later, when his wife gave birth. ''I was eating more to keep her company,'' he told the others in a class on parenthood at the 92nd Street Y. ''When she got sick, I got sick. Empathy, I guess.''
The man had experienced what mental-health professionals call the couvade syndrome. The term derives from the ancient, worldwide couvade ritual, observed in modern times among certain peoples in South America and Africa. In a significant form of the ritual, the man takes to his bed at the onset of his wife's labor and mimics childbirth. The ruse distracts evil spirits during the actual birth, protecting mother and child.
While the practice is based on pretense, the syndrome is very real, according to researchers who have studied expectant fathers. Unlike women, who have nine months to prepare for their new roles, it seems that men have been expected to make the psychological transition to parenthood overnight. It doesn't always work out that way, according to the mental-health professionals.
Dr. Sue Rosenberg Zalk, a psychologist and Hunter College professor who has counseled and interviewed many such men, says some are surprised by their bodily changes and mood swings during the pregnancy. Conflicting feelings of anxiety, depression, elation, ambivalence and envy are not atypical. ''But, '' she said, ''because so little attention and support are given to the expectant father, he sits on his feelings, and frequently they come out in ways that are self-destructive or destructive to the marriage.''
Citing studies of battered women, Dr. Zalk said that some reported being struck by their husbands for the first time during pregnancy. Other men deal with hostile feelings by withdrawing or by lavishing attention on their wives, as a parent might. Still others find creative outlets for their feelings, building cribs or painting nursery walls.
Expectant fathers may experience loss of libido in some phases of the pregnancy. A psychoanalytic explanation for this is that the wife, in becoming a mother, stimulates Oedipal conflicts in her husband, who then sees her as sexually taboo. Further reasons advanced for the man's depleted sex drive include fear of the fetus, fear of harming the mother or the baby, or feelings of inadequacy in relation to the magnitude of motherhood.
Whatever the cause, a decrease in sexual desire often triggers anxiety in men, perhaps because of the myth that they are not supposed to be affected sexually by stressful events peripheral to sex. At least that is how it seems to Sam Bittman, a Massachusetts writer, who lost interest in sex at one point in his wife's pregnancy.
''It's a pretty frightening thing, '' he acknowledged, ''and it has a ripple effect when the issue is not discussed with your spouse. Then everybody's threatened by it. My poor wife felt she was no longer sexually appealing to me. In fact, nothing could have been further from the truth. It's just that there were so many new feelings.''
In an effort to understand the feelings, Mr. Bittman began interviewing other fathers. He came away with the impression that men tend to deal with the appropriate anxieties surrounding parenthood by denying them. This led to his teaching classes for expectant parents and, eventually, to his joining Dr. Zalk to write a book, ''Expectant Fathers'' (Ballantine Books, $6.95). The work draws on discussions with men's groups and interviews with 47 fathers, plus questionnaires from 162 others.
''They were pleased to find someone who was finally interested in their experiences,'' Mr. Bittman reported. ''Occasionally a man would contact us, saying he'd heard we were talking to men and didn't want to be left out. Our sense from these reactions was that expectant fathers often feel neglected.''
Still, times are changing. Just as fathers are playing more active roles, both in the baby's birth and in its care, they are taking courses in expectant parenthood. The 92nd Street Y, for example, is offering such a course for 10 weeks beginning Nov. 30 and plans to repeat it. The instructor is Dr. Wende Doniger, a psychologist with six years of experience in working with expectant parents.
Fantasies of fathers differ from those of mothers, Dr. Doniger said, in that the coming baby is often seen as an older child rather than an infant. Fathers also worry more about the cost of rearing a child. ''Finances are familiar to them,'' she said. ''That's safer than worrying what they would do if the wives go away for four hours and leave them alone with the baby.''
''Fathers,'' she went on, ''have not been given the opportunity to understand their own feelings during pregnancy. One problem is that pregnant women tend to be very self-centered. Wives should be more attentive to what husbands are going through, just as they expect husbands to be attentive to their needs.'' Georgia Dullea
Monday, January 15, 2007
Sorry
Sorry guys, docs appt was long, I'd forgotten just how much they want to know about you at that first meeting and mine was with a whole new clinic so bleagh.
I'm not comfortable discussing intimate details about my body and health history witha person I have never met before. I find it quite unnerving, it also brings up history and there are parts of my life - like everyones - that I am damn glad are over and done with!
Anyway, all is fine and well, no atttempt to hear a heartbeat becasue I have a tipped uterus which is no big deal but means you can't hear the heartbeat as soon as you'd like.
Quite liked the midwife I met, she seemed smart and engaged and has 3 children which appeals to me in a birth and pregnancy care giver, I'm more comfortable with someone who has been there themselves even once, never mind 3 times.
Am home from work thanks to Doctor King, child is upstairs watching Nemo so must not dawdle.
Thanks for checking in!
I'm not comfortable discussing intimate details about my body and health history witha person I have never met before. I find it quite unnerving, it also brings up history and there are parts of my life - like everyones - that I am damn glad are over and done with!
Anyway, all is fine and well, no atttempt to hear a heartbeat becasue I have a tipped uterus which is no big deal but means you can't hear the heartbeat as soon as you'd like.
Quite liked the midwife I met, she seemed smart and engaged and has 3 children which appeals to me in a birth and pregnancy care giver, I'm more comfortable with someone who has been there themselves even once, never mind 3 times.
Am home from work thanks to Doctor King, child is upstairs watching Nemo so must not dawdle.
Thanks for checking in!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Doc Appt. today
So I'm 8w5d by my reckoning but that probably doesn't match the docs.
The poo problems continue but I have more of a handle on them now. Word of caution - no matter how tough you think you are, if the laxative says take 2 tablespoons - TAKE 2 TABLESPOONS fer fuxake, not 4 'cos you're a hard chaw, know what I mean? Nuff said about that one.
What else can I tell you? I have my 1st official doctor appointment today, go me.
Nervous about it of course, convinced she won't find a heartbeat and I'll get bad news again. Been reading horror stories about miscarriages at 9w2d and the like. I really don't think I'll relax until I can feel this little one kicking me in the ribs and then I'll complain about that.
Breasts are no-go zones, very very tender, little man keeps kicking them or bouncing his head off them for some reason. I know they're bigger but do they have bullseyes visible only to 2 year olds or something?
Will update after the doc appointment.
The poo problems continue but I have more of a handle on them now. Word of caution - no matter how tough you think you are, if the laxative says take 2 tablespoons - TAKE 2 TABLESPOONS fer fuxake, not 4 'cos you're a hard chaw, know what I mean? Nuff said about that one.
What else can I tell you? I have my 1st official doctor appointment today, go me.
Nervous about it of course, convinced she won't find a heartbeat and I'll get bad news again. Been reading horror stories about miscarriages at 9w2d and the like. I really don't think I'll relax until I can feel this little one kicking me in the ribs and then I'll complain about that.
Breasts are no-go zones, very very tender, little man keeps kicking them or bouncing his head off them for some reason. I know they're bigger but do they have bullseyes visible only to 2 year olds or something?
Will update after the doc appointment.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Bummer
I kind of regard this as a PSA for other IBS sufferers out there so sorry again if it's too much info for you but man is my world down there going through some chaos!
I had bad problems with constipation with little mans pregnancy and it's back with a vengance this time, only it's accompanied by quite a lot of bleeding. I'm used to re.ctal bleeding from time to time, I've had all sorts of tests and my favourite - an@l exams and even cameras! They all show nothing to worry about so the diagnosis has been internal hemorrhoids (yes I know how to spell it, sorry for messing that up in the last post) and as long as it's not too much they've said not to worry.
For the past few days I've been continuing my enormous poo productions and they've been accompanied by quite a lot of bright red blood - pah sez I, normal, nothing to see here folks, move along. But it's been getting worse not better so I called the doc. I'm waiting for a call back and can assume that I'll be exposing my nether regions to the delights of probing fingers again in the next 24 hours. I'm hoping that will be all and they'll tell me to drink more water, eat more fiber and try not to strain - HAH! You think I don't know this? I think I've torn something, to be honest, and it's just being aggravated each time I pass a stool, especially the big ones.
TMI?
I know, I know, but considering the googling I've done on this it's a concern for a lot of people and seeing blood in the bowl is definitely worrying so I consider this my good deed for other pregnant IBS women out there. If you are or have been one, step right up and let me know what worked and didn't for you.
PS I'm using rec.tal and an@l just 'cos I want to keep the pervs away, not from any sense of modesty on my behalf.
I had bad problems with constipation with little mans pregnancy and it's back with a vengance this time, only it's accompanied by quite a lot of bleeding. I'm used to re.ctal bleeding from time to time, I've had all sorts of tests and my favourite - an@l exams and even cameras! They all show nothing to worry about so the diagnosis has been internal hemorrhoids (yes I know how to spell it, sorry for messing that up in the last post) and as long as it's not too much they've said not to worry.
For the past few days I've been continuing my enormous poo productions and they've been accompanied by quite a lot of bright red blood - pah sez I, normal, nothing to see here folks, move along. But it's been getting worse not better so I called the doc. I'm waiting for a call back and can assume that I'll be exposing my nether regions to the delights of probing fingers again in the next 24 hours. I'm hoping that will be all and they'll tell me to drink more water, eat more fiber and try not to strain - HAH! You think I don't know this? I think I've torn something, to be honest, and it's just being aggravated each time I pass a stool, especially the big ones.
TMI?
I know, I know, but considering the googling I've done on this it's a concern for a lot of people and seeing blood in the bowl is definitely worrying so I consider this my good deed for other pregnant IBS women out there. If you are or have been one, step right up and let me know what worked and didn't for you.
PS I'm using rec.tal and an@l just 'cos I want to keep the pervs away, not from any sense of modesty on my behalf.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Happy New Year - 128bpm
Just a few days late!
Sorry for the break, Xmas and all that palava took me away from computers for a couple of weeks.
Didn't take me away from doctors sticking things into my private parts though, I'm way too familiar with the dildo cam - or probe or whatever they call it. Had another scan yesterday and there it was, in all it's glory, all .8" of it with it's little heart beating steadily at 128bpm.
I'm kind of in shock to be honest. I was bracing for the worst and hoping for the best as they say. It's starting to sink in now, I could actually have another child in a few months!
This pregnancy is very different so far, I'm an emotional wreck, wildly careening from rage to deep sadness in a matter of moments, it's weird. Night time is hell, can't sleep, am having horrible hallucenogenic dreams so I don't want to sleep, I can't get comfortable, I'm pissed off at everyone, it's not restful to say the least.
** TMI warning - move along if you don't want to read about poo **
I've gained about 5lbs which is probably more than I should have at this point so I'll have to watch myself a bit better. I think about 3lbs of that is poo to be honest. Sorry if tmi but pregnancy to me is all about poo. I suffer terribly from constipation, hemarroids, cramps and gas; I have IBS in real life so it just gets worse with pregnancy. This time I'm astounded at the
contents of the bowl. Last week I had a poo so huge it tore me, nice eh? Took forever to come out, to the point where I had actually started to panic a bit, thought I might have to give it some help and not sure what I would do really, luckily it made it's painful way out and I almost took a picture I was so shocked. I'm still sore from that one. It was followed a few minutes later by - no joke - another poo of about 18". Long poos I can deal with, big fat ones, no no no, they hurt man! And then I bleed and then I panic...with my history of IBS I'm pretty confident that bleeding is internal hemerroids, but when I'm pregnant, any blood "down there" freaks me out.
** OK poo talk over, carry on **
So other than the poo, everything else is pretty good, some fatigue, yes, but not as bad as I remember it last time, some nausea, yes, but again, not as bad.
Fingers crossed this all goes well, I've been torturing myself reading about other people's miscarriages at 9w and so on. I've read that your chances are low after you've seen a heartbeat so I'll concentrate on that for now.
Sorry for the break, Xmas and all that palava took me away from computers for a couple of weeks.
Didn't take me away from doctors sticking things into my private parts though, I'm way too familiar with the dildo cam - or probe or whatever they call it. Had another scan yesterday and there it was, in all it's glory, all .8" of it with it's little heart beating steadily at 128bpm.
I'm kind of in shock to be honest. I was bracing for the worst and hoping for the best as they say. It's starting to sink in now, I could actually have another child in a few months!
This pregnancy is very different so far, I'm an emotional wreck, wildly careening from rage to deep sadness in a matter of moments, it's weird. Night time is hell, can't sleep, am having horrible hallucenogenic dreams so I don't want to sleep, I can't get comfortable, I'm pissed off at everyone, it's not restful to say the least.
** TMI warning - move along if you don't want to read about poo **
I've gained about 5lbs which is probably more than I should have at this point so I'll have to watch myself a bit better. I think about 3lbs of that is poo to be honest. Sorry if tmi but pregnancy to me is all about poo. I suffer terribly from constipation, hemarroids, cramps and gas; I have IBS in real life so it just gets worse with pregnancy. This time I'm astounded at the
contents of the bowl. Last week I had a poo so huge it tore me, nice eh? Took forever to come out, to the point where I had actually started to panic a bit, thought I might have to give it some help and not sure what I would do really, luckily it made it's painful way out and I almost took a picture I was so shocked. I'm still sore from that one. It was followed a few minutes later by - no joke - another poo of about 18". Long poos I can deal with, big fat ones, no no no, they hurt man! And then I bleed and then I panic...with my history of IBS I'm pretty confident that bleeding is internal hemerroids, but when I'm pregnant, any blood "down there" freaks me out.
** OK poo talk over, carry on **
So other than the poo, everything else is pretty good, some fatigue, yes, but not as bad as I remember it last time, some nausea, yes, but again, not as bad.
Fingers crossed this all goes well, I've been torturing myself reading about other people's miscarriages at 9w and so on. I've read that your chances are low after you've seen a heartbeat so I'll concentrate on that for now.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Well well well Beta #3
Beta #3 taken this morning was 1264
Again from http://babymed.com/pregnancy%2Dtools/hcg/
First hCG: 237 mIU/ml Second hCG: 1264 mIU/ml
hCG Difference: 1027 mIU/ml
Time Difference: 96 hours
Total hCG Increase: 433 % (5.3)
Daily Rate Increase: 52% (1.52)
Two Day Rate Increase: 131% (2.31)
Assessment: The Two-Day hCG rise was 131% and is considered adequate.
YAHOO - guess that means I better start taking this seriously!
Not that I haven't been taking my vitamins and all that but after the drama of last Tursday and Friday I kind of braced myself for the worst y'know.
I don't have terrible pregnancy symptoms, sore breasts, seriously bad gass, am farting machine, but other than that, I'm fine. That was worrying me, but it's early days so I should just be quiet now and appreciate the life growing inside me - good gods did I just say that?
Anyway great news, am thrilled, feel like I have been holding my breath for days!
Again from http://babymed.com/pregnancy%2Dtools/hcg/
First hCG: 237 mIU/ml Second hCG: 1264 mIU/ml
hCG Difference: 1027 mIU/ml
Time Difference: 96 hours
Total hCG Increase: 433 % (5.3)
Daily Rate Increase: 52% (1.52)
Two Day Rate Increase: 131% (2.31)
Assessment: The Two-Day hCG rise was 131% and is considered adequate.
YAHOO - guess that means I better start taking this seriously!
Not that I haven't been taking my vitamins and all that but after the drama of last Tursday and Friday I kind of braced myself for the worst y'know.
I don't have terrible pregnancy symptoms, sore breasts, seriously bad gass, am farting machine, but other than that, I'm fine. That was worrying me, but it's early days so I should just be quiet now and appreciate the life growing inside me - good gods did I just say that?
Anyway great news, am thrilled, feel like I have been holding my breath for days!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Beta #2
Well, all is not lost it seems, blood drawn today gave an hcg level of 237, up from 79 4 days ago which according to this calculator is "The Two-Day hCG rise was 73% and is considered adequate."
Still not out of the woods, when I went for an appt. with the OBGYN the nurse said "so, you're here for a missed abortion consult" - nice! No sez I, I'm still pregnant as far as I know, do you know something I don't?
Silly cow, it was all I could do not to slap her hard.
The doc was nice, said don't worry the numbers are good, it's too early to see anything in the scan. Come back again on Tuesday dn have more blood drawn and we'll see how the levels are.
So I'm feeling more hopeful but not letting my guard down yet. Until I see that heartbeat I won't relax and even then probably.
Best mate has been a rock, she of the twins, she's been through 3 pregnancies with me now, 1 ended badly, 1 gave me my son and now this. Couldn't survive without her.
So I'm going to try to enjoy the weekend and stay calm until Tuesday.
Symptoms today - enormous poos, yeah seriously, enormous, still farting up a storm, tmi? Sorry, but it's the real deal and I wish someone had told me about these things when I first got pregnant, hey sister you will fart and poo for Ireland for the next year or so - oh great, thats' a relief! Breasts still painful but not at the levels they were last time when I had to strap them down before bed, if the sheet brushed them I screamed in pain, not there but it could come yet. Breasts are such wonderful creations aren't they? Breastfeeding my son was one of the most rewarding aspects of pregnancy/birth for me.
Anyhoo that's it, obviously mentally in a better place than yesterday and physically not too bad either, have had a few too many hands up my hoohaa lately but them's the breaks.
PS: The sexy dreams have kicked in, yahoo!
Still not out of the woods, when I went for an appt. with the OBGYN the nurse said "so, you're here for a missed abortion consult" - nice! No sez I, I'm still pregnant as far as I know, do you know something I don't?
Silly cow, it was all I could do not to slap her hard.
The doc was nice, said don't worry the numbers are good, it's too early to see anything in the scan. Come back again on Tuesday dn have more blood drawn and we'll see how the levels are.
So I'm feeling more hopeful but not letting my guard down yet. Until I see that heartbeat I won't relax and even then probably.
Best mate has been a rock, she of the twins, she's been through 3 pregnancies with me now, 1 ended badly, 1 gave me my son and now this. Couldn't survive without her.
So I'm going to try to enjoy the weekend and stay calm until Tuesday.
Symptoms today - enormous poos, yeah seriously, enormous, still farting up a storm, tmi? Sorry, but it's the real deal and I wish someone had told me about these things when I first got pregnant, hey sister you will fart and poo for Ireland for the next year or so - oh great, thats' a relief! Breasts still painful but not at the levels they were last time when I had to strap them down before bed, if the sheet brushed them I screamed in pain, not there but it could come yet. Breasts are such wonderful creations aren't they? Breastfeeding my son was one of the most rewarding aspects of pregnancy/birth for me.
Anyhoo that's it, obviously mentally in a better place than yesterday and physically not too bad either, have had a few too many hands up my hoohaa lately but them's the breaks.
PS: The sexy dreams have kicked in, yahoo!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Not looking good
Had an ultrasound today, nothing to be seen but tech assured me that it's early and not to be disheartened. Then the nurse from my docs office called to ask me to come in tomorrow for another blood test - hmm, not good I thought so I asked why.
Well, she said, your hcg level was only 79 which is low.
Oh right sez I, would have been good to know this on Tuesday when the doc called to tell me the test was positive.
I've googled my heart out and yes smoked 2 cigarettes, because I've been here before, the every 2nd day level tests hoping to see the numbers double only to have it all crap out in the end.
So I'm not feeling too good, in fact I'm feeling shite, I've had a sense of doom about this from the beginning but I've been convincing myself that it's just me being a nervous nelly.
Maybe it is, at this stage all that is left is hope.
If you're reading, send me some good vibes because I think I will lose my fucking mind if I have another miscarriage. It will make this pregnancy #4 with only 1 child to show for my troubles.
Oh well, have to break the news to the big man, he doesn't even know I went for a scan.
Well, she said, your hcg level was only 79 which is low.
Oh right sez I, would have been good to know this on Tuesday when the doc called to tell me the test was positive.
I've googled my heart out and yes smoked 2 cigarettes, because I've been here before, the every 2nd day level tests hoping to see the numbers double only to have it all crap out in the end.
So I'm not feeling too good, in fact I'm feeling shite, I've had a sense of doom about this from the beginning but I've been convincing myself that it's just me being a nervous nelly.
Maybe it is, at this stage all that is left is hope.
If you're reading, send me some good vibes because I think I will lose my fucking mind if I have another miscarriage. It will make this pregnancy #4 with only 1 child to show for my troubles.
Oh well, have to break the news to the big man, he doesn't even know I went for a scan.
A girl??
Madame Zaritska's reading
Madame Zaritska, our resident clairvoyant, wants to help you prepare for the arrival of your child. Here she does her best to predict certain aspects of your labor and birth experience.
What she senses for you
The day you deliver, outside will be sunny. Your baby will arrive at night.
After a labor lasting approximately 11 hours, WHAT! your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and will be 18 inches long. This child will have green eyes and be completely bald. Ah a little baldie!
But there is more. It is perfectly healthy and normal to want to look good, even during these interesting months! I sense you feel a little reluctant. Well, you're not being silly or shallow -- you're taking care of yourself. And I am happy that you are.
Well that's nice Madame, I remember doing this last time, wish I had kept it!
Am off to the doc this avo for a quick scan. Have been having bad pain in my right side so they want to rule out ectopic - don't think it is, am just a nervous nelly.
Am guessing it's just digestion issues, have been suffering with constipation the past few days, been trying to drown my enemy with Diet Coke - ha ha, yes people I know I should be drinking 10gallons of water each day, but I'm just not a water drinker, I'll have to improve I guess.
Day 5 off the smokes, man I hate quitting smoking, it's fucking hard, I don't care what Allen Carr says it is hard, this time I will not start smoking again, no way.
Monday, December 11, 2006
I shouldn't do this
to myself but I've been googling miscarriage risks and gestational diabetes - and have myself scared shitless.
It brings it all back, that horrible visit to the ER where the technician did a scan and told me matter of factly that there was "no baby in there" well gee thanks Mrs. Compassionate. The repeated visits to the OB/GYN office desperate that this time they would find a heartbeat and it was just too early before.
Gods I don't want to go through that again.
Like I said before I won't be able to relax until I see that heartbeat, little man showed me his heart beat at 6w 3d so hopefully this little bean will be as cooperative.
Gestational Diabetes - pales in comparison, I ended up injecting insulin 3 times a day at the end of my last pregnancy and testing my blood sugar about 6 times a day, that all leaves some serious track marks people! Hopefully this time I'll avoid it by eating sensibly (yeah right) and exercising (in your dreams) and not gaining so much weight (54lbs people) that's the plan anyway, apparently once you have it in one pregnancy you have a 90% chance of a reccurrance in subsequent pregnancies - nice odds there.
Hope to avoid induction and c-section as well this time, but I'm getting way way ahead of myself so I'll stop all this idle speculation and just hope I see/hear those galloping hoofbeats in a few weeks!
It brings it all back, that horrible visit to the ER where the technician did a scan and told me matter of factly that there was "no baby in there" well gee thanks Mrs. Compassionate. The repeated visits to the OB/GYN office desperate that this time they would find a heartbeat and it was just too early before.
Gods I don't want to go through that again.
Like I said before I won't be able to relax until I see that heartbeat, little man showed me his heart beat at 6w 3d so hopefully this little bean will be as cooperative.
Gestational Diabetes - pales in comparison, I ended up injecting insulin 3 times a day at the end of my last pregnancy and testing my blood sugar about 6 times a day, that all leaves some serious track marks people! Hopefully this time I'll avoid it by eating sensibly (yeah right) and exercising (in your dreams) and not gaining so much weight (54lbs people) that's the plan anyway, apparently once you have it in one pregnancy you have a 90% chance of a reccurrance in subsequent pregnancies - nice odds there.
Hope to avoid induction and c-section as well this time, but I'm getting way way ahead of myself so I'll stop all this idle speculation and just hope I see/hear those galloping hoofbeats in a few weeks!
Well - It's still a secret
but I'm sharing the news here so it is and it isn't.
Yes that means I'm like all of 4 weeks pregnant right now so I'm toying with fate by blogging about it but I didn't keep any kind of journal for my pregnancy with my son and I'm sorry I didn't now so this is redemption.
Estimated Due Date is August 17, 2007 and Chinese Gender Prediction says it's a girl.
I guessed I might be pregnant when I started hitting this insane exhaustion wall every afternoon last week, it's due to hit me now again in about 20 minutes, hmm I thought, then the constipation set in and I thought hmm again, I've been here before so I bought a test on Friday even though my period wasn't due until today and there it was a faded + sign, nah I thought and threw it away. Did another one the next day and there it was again a +...so i took it outside to big man who was putting a new roof on the shed and asked him if it was real. He seemed to think it was and reacted as he does.
Bought 2 more tests Saturday evening on teh way to work and did one at work, two || this time, definitely there. One more test Sunday morning confirming the two ||s and now I'm starting to believe it.
Made an appt with the doc to have an official test this afternoon, if it's positive then I think I'll really believe it.
Well I'll really believe it when I see the galloping heartbeat on a scan. Sadly I had a miscarriage at 8 weeks the year before little man was born so I'm all too aware of the risks. I'll relax into it after 12 weeks.
In the meantime if you've stumbled across me and you don't know me this might be incredibly boring for you, if you do know me chances are you're getting a link to this in Jan 2007 so are reading backwards, welcome!
Baby #2 is due to arrive in August '07.
Yes that means I'm like all of 4 weeks pregnant right now so I'm toying with fate by blogging about it but I didn't keep any kind of journal for my pregnancy with my son and I'm sorry I didn't now so this is redemption.
Estimated Due Date is August 17, 2007 and Chinese Gender Prediction says it's a girl.
I guessed I might be pregnant when I started hitting this insane exhaustion wall every afternoon last week, it's due to hit me now again in about 20 minutes, hmm I thought, then the constipation set in and I thought hmm again, I've been here before so I bought a test on Friday even though my period wasn't due until today and there it was a faded + sign, nah I thought and threw it away. Did another one the next day and there it was again a +...so i took it outside to big man who was putting a new roof on the shed and asked him if it was real. He seemed to think it was and reacted as he does.
Bought 2 more tests Saturday evening on teh way to work and did one at work, two || this time, definitely there. One more test Sunday morning confirming the two ||s and now I'm starting to believe it.
Made an appt with the doc to have an official test this afternoon, if it's positive then I think I'll really believe it.
Well I'll really believe it when I see the galloping heartbeat on a scan. Sadly I had a miscarriage at 8 weeks the year before little man was born so I'm all too aware of the risks. I'll relax into it after 12 weeks.
In the meantime if you've stumbled across me and you don't know me this might be incredibly boring for you, if you do know me chances are you're getting a link to this in Jan 2007 so are reading backwards, welcome!
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